Instructional Minute
October 11, 2022
September 24, 2024
Instructional Best Practices
Planning and Preparation (Danielson: Domain 1)
In this issue of the Instructional Minute, we will define the elements of Domain 1, Component 1E (designing coherent instruction).
Domain 1E: Designing Coherent Instruction
Designing coherent instruction is the heart of planning, reflecting the teacher’s knowledge of content and the students in the class, the intended outcomes of instruction, and the available resources. Such planning requires that educators have a clear understanding of the state, district, and school expectations for student learning, and the skill to translate these into a coherent plan. It also requires that teachers understand the characteristics of the students they teach and the active nature of student learning. Educators must determine how best to sequence instruction in a way that will advance student learning through the required content. It further requires the thoughtful construction of lessons that contain cognitively engaging learning activities, the incorporation of appropriate resources and materials, and the intentional grouping of students. Proficient practice in this component recognizes that a well-designed instruction plan addresses the learning needs of various groups of students; one size does not fit all. At the distinguished level the teacher plans instruction that takes into account the specific learning needs of each student and solicits ideas from students on how best to structure the learning. This plan for implementation is then manifested in Domain 3. Elements of component 1e:
Learning activities
Instruction is designed to engage students and advance their learning through the content.
Instructional materials and resources
Materials and resources are appropriate to the learning needs of the students.
Instructional groups
Groups are intentionally organized to support student learning.
Lesson and unit structure
Organization is clear and sequenced to advance students’ learning.
Indicators:
- Lessons that support instructional outcomes and reflect important concepts
- Instructional maps that indicate relationships to prior learning
- Activities that represent high-level thinking
- Opportunities for student choice
- The use of varied resources
- Thoughtfully planned learning groups
- Structured lesson plans
Unlocking the Power of Learning
Content Area Steering Committees
K-8 Math: September 24th, 4:30-5:30 (zoom link)
K-8 Science: October 9th
9-12 Math: October 17th
9-12 ELA: October 1st
Staff Appreciation from Morrie's Okemos Ford
Morrie's Okemos Ford is offering FREE windshield wipers for any staff or district owned vehicles throughout the school year. It is as simple as filling out some basic information (on this Google form) about you and your vehicle that Morrie's would be getting the wipers for.
Districtwide Saturday School for 3rd – 5th Grade!
We are thrilled to announce staff openings for our districtwide Saturday School program - "Super Saturday"! We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated educators to join us in supporting our 3rd - 5th grade students who are not yet at grade level to provide instruction over 9 exciting weeks, starting October 17th from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Students will be there from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
The locations for Super Saturday will be at Dwight Rich, Gardner, and Pattengill.
We are hiring for:
- 3 ELA Teachers
- 3 Math Teachers
- 3 PE Teachers
- 3 Leads
If you’re passionate about making a difference and have energy to help our students succeed, we’d love to have you on board! Please apply on the Lansing School District's website by clicking on the employment tab and looking for Saturday School Teacher or Lead.
Evaluation PowerPoint
Attached is the PowerPoint regarding the Evaluation Model and Percentage Breakdown for:
- Classroom Teachers
- Non-Classroom Instructional Support Personnel
- Student Service Professionals (SSP)
- School Leaders
- District Leaders
Please also see this link for the evaluation documents for staff.
Curricular Tools Crosswalk
Accessing Pacing Guides on District Website
Struggling with accessing Clever? Take a look at this helpful "How To"!
Clever is our digital classroom and single-sign on (SSO portal). It automatically adds student rosters to our digital curriculum programs. It allows everyone to sign on to programs with just a click. No more remembering dozens of usernames and passwords, or sharing out class codes to get students onto LSD educational programs. You can also customize your digital classroom to engage with students and families.
Having Trouble Accessing your Online Curriculum?
If you are having trouble accessing your online curriculum it might be one of these two things:
- It may be that that subject area section has not been assigned to you in Synergy. Reach out to your building administrator/school secretary for assistance with assigning those sections to you in Synergy.
- Your Google account may be defaulting to a personal Google email account. Please also check that when you are logging in that you are on your district assigned Google account and not your personal account. We are finding that sometimes when attempting to log in, it defaults to personal Google accounts.
If you are in need of textbooks, science kits or consumables...
- Make sure you inform your administrator.
- A Google Form has been shared with each principal for them to enter any needs for their staff.
- The Google Form is reviewed daily so we can get you the materials you need as soon as possible!
K-8th Grade Instructional Minutes by Content Area and Sample Schedules
Below you can find the new, updated required instructional minutes by grade level and content area. Each grade level also includes a sample schedule.
Pacing Implementation Guidelines
Teachers are encouraged to monitor student progress regularly using formative assessments and adjust pacing as needed based on classroom data. However, teachers should aim to stay within two weeks of the pacing outlined in the guides to maintain alignment with district-wide goals.
K-8 Pacing at a Glance for this Week's Instruction
The documents attached outline K-8 curricular resources, standards and pacing. This can also be found by clicking here on the LSD website.
9-12 Pacing Documents
The document attached outlines 9-12 curricular resources, standards and pacing. This can also be found by clicking here on the LSD website.
The MDE is accepting nominations for the 25-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year until September 25, 2024. Nominating a teacher is quick and easy, and can be submitted by students, parents, coworkers and school community members through the online nomination form.
Spread the word!
Workshop Model Lesson Plan Form to Assist in Planning Lessons
A resource to use as you see fit.